Tai Woffinden returns to Wolverhampton

On an evening of high quality and drama, Woffinden won four out of five heats, before winning a nerve-bending Grand Final re-run to lift the trophy for a third time.

Woofy got off to a slow start as the slightly delayed event was marred by a horrific crash in the first heat.

But once the 2013 world champion registered his first victory in heat five at Monmore Green, he clicked into top gear, storming to wins in the rest of his heats.

Some fine displays all-around kept the Wolverhampton crowd on their toes, despite the semi-finals not getting under way till 10:30pm.

Despite being without a club for the distant future due to European commitments, Woffinden showed his form was as strong as ever with some passionate rides and celebrations.

After dramatic early drama that saw Ben Barker carried off to hospital following a dreadful fall. Woffinden got his first heat underway alongside other Wolverhampton Wolves star Lewis Blackbird, who fell at the first bend on his return from a hand problem.

In the end the reigning champion had to settle for a single point, ahead of Blackbird who came in fourth after a slight fall.

Woffinden had to settle for a re-run in second outing following a nasty fall from Craig Cook, but the former World champion showed his class, dominating the re-run and storming to a track record-equalling time of 53.67.

The crowd-favourite, who will sit out the coming season without a club, flew to another winner in heat 11, taking his points talley on the night to six and looking set to qualify for the semi-final.

It took a while for his evening to get under way, but Woffy, cheered on by an adoring and passionate crowd, stormed to his third victory of the night in heat 16, edging out Steve Worrall.

Jason Garrity was the night's other success to this point, with 4 wins and a second place from 5 rides, while Craig Cook beat Chris Harris in the race of the night on 15, a fabulous contest between the 2 riders, who battled each other on every lap.

Woffinden rounded off his heats in round 18 with another dominant display, a fourth victory from five heats enough to see him through to the night's Grand Final alongside Garrity.

After Richard Lawson was dramatically disqualified in the semi-final, Cook and King beat Scott Nicholls to join Garrity and Woffinden in the final.

With the crowd teased as a starting fault kept the waiting in the final, Woffinden struggled to get away, lying in third until Garrity dramatically fell, signalling a further re-run.

This time, the star was not up to fluffing his lines and stormed ahead of claim the crown.